Memorial for Curtis Joel Gudger

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Curtis Joel Gudger

Candler ~ With great faith and much love, Curtis Joel Gudger, 49, passed away on March 9, 2008 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

A native of Asheville, he was born Aug. 22, 1958 to Glenn and Ruth Gudger, of Hiawassee, GA. He spent most of his life in Asheville, but also resided in Tampa Bay, FL from 1979-1986.

Curtis spent most of his childhood playing football and nurturing his considerable mechanical talent with cars and motorcycles. He graduated from Enka High School in 1976.

On Nov. 22, 2000, Curtis married Tammy Spivey. A marriage of much love and laughter, Curtis exemplified his devotion to family through his role as a caring husband and father. Curtis was loved and admired by everyone that knew him. His smile and loving ways were an inspiration to so many people. He has touched our lives in a special way that will never be forgotten.

Since returning to Asheville, Curtis has been employed in the automobile business, the last 13 years as an employee of Jim Barkley Toyota.

An avid Harley fan, Curtis would take long rides through the countryside with his wife, friends, son and daughter-in-law. Everyone who traveled with Curtis on his bikes considered it an honor to share the road with him. His honest and kind presence always brought out the best in the many lives that he touched.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, Tammy Spivey Gudger; his two sons, Ryan Gudger and his wife, Kristal, of Candler and Caleb Gudger of Asheville; four daughters, Shannon Bell of Asheville, Jennifer Jones and her husband, Christian, of Pinehurst, NC, Amber Gudger of Asheville and Heather Mundy of Candler. He was also a wonderful grandfather to his six grand-children, Nathaniel, Connor, Amaya, Noah, Alexia and Andrew. In addition, he is also survived by his sister, Diane Campbell of Candler; one niece, Courtney and one nephew, Cody.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian with the Revs. Ian Walker and Thomas Freeman officiating.

Curtis' co-workers from the used car department at Jim Barkley Toyota will serve as pallbearers. Weather permitting, there will be a motorcycle procession from the funeral home to Forest Lawn Memorial Park, where the interment will take place.

The family will receive friends from 5:30-8:30 PM on Tuesday, March 11 at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian and at other times will be at the home, 15 Tanager Court in Candler.

Flowers are welcome, but donations may also be made in Curtis' memory to the Noah Jones Fund at any of the Asheville Savings Bank locations in Asheville or at the Enka-Candler branch, 907 Smokey Park Highway, Candler, NC 28715. The Noah Jones Fund was recently established for Curtis' grandson, Noah, who has undergone two major brain surgeries and may be facing a third in the near future. Memorial donations may also be made in Curtis' name to the American Cancer Society for Pancreatic Research, 120 Executive Park, Building One, Asheville, NC 28801.